The 4 Levels of Hospice Care

The 4 Levels of Hospice Care

Here at Holding Hands Hospice, we strongly believe that each person who is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness deserves all forms of care available. This is why each patient, whether in a home or in any other living facility, is given options on what kind of hospice care they need.

Below are the four levels that you can take a look at. Take note that the duration of each varies. One patient may experience all four in a week, while the other might only need one in their entire hospice care.

Routine Home Care: This involves a scheduled set of visits, check-ups, and medication distribution for the patient. Routine home care is advisable when the patient’s symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bleeding, pain, and unbearable agitation, can still be controlled. A team of registered nurse, social worker, hospice aid, chaplain, counsellor, physician, and bereavement specialist are usually involved in the routine visits.

Continuous Care: Like routine, continuous care is also done at home. The difference is that this type of care is only advisable when the patient’s symptoms can no longer be controlled and is already severe. There is usually a hospice nurse available around the clock. This is only for times of crisis or within three to five days as per Medicare.

Inpatient Care: The main difference between continuous and inpatient care is that the latter is done within a facility as both are only advisable for patients with uncontrolled symptoms. During inpatient care, the hospice team become aggressive in treating the patient’s pain and symptoms. This can involve regular assessment on their condition and medication.

Respite Care: Because most hospice care involves living at home, respite care only happens when the nurse, caregiver, and/or family member in charge of tending to the patient needs to take a break or when the house needs repairs or cleaning. During this period, which can last up to five days according to Medicare, the patient is given complete treatment similar to routine home care in a hospice home or assisted living facility.

Learn more about hospice care here in the Dallas Texas area by visiting our blog again as we update it with more insights. For a more comprehensive advice on how we can help your loved ones feel comfortable during this critical moment, please contact us today. Thank you.